Torrington's Backstage restaurant chef to take part in fundraiser, 'Flavors of Connecticut'

TORRINGTON >> Backstage chef Eric Violante will participate with several area chefs in an annual Flavors of Connecticut gala in April.

The event is an annual fundraiser for the American Liver Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting liver health and disease prevention. It will take place April 9 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. This year's gala will feature 34 of Connecticut's top chef's and restaurants.

Flavors is a culinary experience that goes beyond the traditional gala and provides each table of guests with a local chef who will prepare an upscale multi-course dinner tableside, according to a press release. Each chef will showcase his or her signature dishes and take guests beyond the usual restaurant fare, allowing them to release their inner "foodie" and experience a distinct evening of fine dining while helping to fund research, education and advocacy efforts.

Flavors of Connecticut will also feature a cocktail reception including passed d'oeuvres from each chef, a silent auction and wine raffle, a wine bar provided by Northeast Wine Brokers and craft beer from Olde Burnside Brewing Company.. Renee DiNino, event chairman and radio personality, will be emceeing the event.

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Organizers said last year's event raised more than $230,000 for the organization, including $20,000 for the research initiatives of the American Liver Foundation through the Fund-A-Cure program.